RegistryFee

Ohio Title Transfer Fee Calculator

Transferring a vehicle title in Ohio costs $18 in title fees — but the real cost of a private-party purchase is usually the tax: 5.75% state sales tax plus county permissive tax (6.5–8% combined, e.g. 8% in Cuyahoga) on the purchase price, collected by the county clerk of courts at title transfer. Budget the tax on top of the title and plate fees, and transfer within the state's deadline to avoid penalties.

Verified against official Ohio sources on 2026-07-17. How we verify fees.

Your purchase

Estimated annual cost
$0.00/ year
    One-time fees (first registration)
    • Tax on sale
      5.75% state sales tax plus county permissive tax (6.5–8% combined, e.g. 8% in Cuyahoga) on the purchase price, collected by the county clerk of courts at title transfer.
      $2,012.50
    • Title fee
      $18.00
    One-time total: $2,030.50

    Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-17. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.

    Good to know

    • Title fee rose from $15 to $18 on January 1, 2026 (HB 96); counties can add $5, making it $23 in some.

    What determines title transfer cost in Ohio?

    • Purchase price (tax basis)
    • Title fee ($18)
    • Tax on private-party sales
    • Family/gift exemptions

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does a title transfer cost in Ohio?

    The title fee itself is $18. 5.75% state sales tax plus county permissive tax (6.5–8% combined, e.g. 8% in Cuyahoga) on the purchase price, collected by the county clerk of courts at title transfer. Use the calculator above with your purchase price for the full picture.

    Do I pay sales tax on a private-party car purchase in Ohio?

    Yes — 5.75% state sales tax plus county permissive tax (6.5–8% combined, e.g. 8% in Cuyahoga) on the purchase price, collected by the county clerk of courts at title transfer.

    Are family transfers or gifted vehicles taxed in Ohio?

    True gifts with zero payment aren't taxed — any recipient, not just family. Write "GIFT" in the price box and file the gift affidavit (BMV 3724) with the clerk. Any priced sale, family or not, is taxed.

    How long do I have to transfer a title in Ohio?

    Transfer the title within 30 days of the sale; the late fee is $5, collected when the title is issued.

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    Title Transfer calculators for other states

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    More Ohio fees

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    title transfer in nearby states

    Michigan →Indiana →Kentucky →West Virginia →Pennsylvania →

    Official Ohio resources

    Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.

    Ohio BMV ↗☎ (844) 644-6268bmv.ohio.gov — fee source ↗tax.ohio.gov — fee source ↗

    Data last reviewed 2026-07-17.